Sunday, October 18, 2015

Up To British Columbia!

We finally were able to go 7 miles north of our town and cross into British Columbia yesterday. It was the first time for either of us to go to Canada. We found out from some locals that we didn't have to wait for our enhanced driver's licenses to be able to cross the border. They would let us in with our driver's licenses and birth certificates. REALLY?! So off we went!

Approaching the border (less than 10 minutes from home)...

Why is it that perfectly innocent people feel guilty when about to be closely scrutinized? I was kind of nervous for absolutely no reason at all. We approached the gate and waited for the light to turn green indicating that we could drive up to the guard at the window. He took our paperwork, asked us several questions about what we were doing, where we were going, what we were bringing back or leaving, etc. Then he left the window for about 5 minutes and we could see him back in the office on a computer. He returned to the window, gave us our papers back, and waived us on through. (I asked him if I could take his picture, but he said he'd rather I wouldn't, so I didn't. I shouldn't have even asked! Meanie! Doesn't he know I need blog material?)

We passed Red Mountain Ski Resort and drove through the little village with condos and coffee shops, etc., but we didn't stop. This was maybe 5 minutes from the border. Our mission was to go to Rossland, about 7 miles from the border, and then onto to Trail, about 7 more miles. Trail is where the Walmart is and where we plan to do most of our shopping from now on since it's much closer than driving to Colville. (There is a list of things we can't buy there and bring it back into the U.S. such as certain fruits and veggies, certain meats, raw nuts, and a few other things.)

From the highway overlooking part of Rossland, B.C.

It was so pretty there! The mountains were bigger and the fall colors were breathtaking. I was amazed...AGAIN! I had no idea it was going to be even more beautiful there. Yes, Ken is growing his hair out.

Downtown Rossland.

It was so quaint and had kind of a hippy vibe...very European, which again surprised me. I don't know why. I mean, it's called BRITISH Columbia, isn't it? Lots of people had big dogs with them, and there were lots of people wearing hats. Is that a weird thing to notice? Things were just slightly different there and I felt a certain relaxed, liberal vibe. I don't know how else to explain it or if that even makes sense to you. I liked it though, whatever it was. I kept asking myself how things could look and feel so different just 15 minutes from home. If you suddenly just dropped me there on the sidewalk, it wouldn't take me but a few minutes of looking and watching people to know that I wasn't in the U.S.

Let's look around some more...

We went into several shops while in the downtown area and bought a few things.

One of the shops had this display of crocheted legwarmers.

At $19.99 a pair, they were pretty cheap, I thought.

That comes out to about $15.40 in American Dollars.

When I saw this house, I asked Ken if it reminded him of anything.

Remember the office we just painted? LOL!

St. Andrew's United Church

Street Art

The sidewalks were littered with beautiful, vibrant leaves.

Time to head on down the road to Trail, B.C.

We were there in less than 10 minutes.

Whoa! Gorgeous.

This town was nestled in the mountains right against the Mighty Columbia River a lot like our town. Like I mentioned before, the mountains were bigger than where we are.

We were starving so we stopped into a pub to eat a very late lunch/early dinner. Ken got Bangers and Mash with Yorkshire Pudding. If that's not European, I don't know what is! He said it was great. I had a Grilled Chicken Pesto on Flatbread sandwich with fries. It was also great.

After we ate, we walked 1/2 a block down to the Columbia River.

The picture above is looking to the right.

And this is looking to the left.

It reminded me a lot of our home.

But of course...it's only 20 minutes up the river.

We needed to get some Canadian money for the parking meter.

A pretty church in Trail.

I love taking pictures of churches.

The Catholic churches are particularly pretty to me.

I'll leave you with a little 30-second video I took while we were in Trail.

23 comments:

Gee, I had no idea you all were so close to the Canadian border. Lucky you!!Boy, oh boy it is very pretty up there. And what a fabulous photo tutorial. I've fallen in love with the town of Rossland, makes me want to move there from noisy old Portland.I'm an anglophile at heart and always will be.((Pats for the pup-dogs))

Welcome to BC!! AndCanada too! We like to think BC is the prettiest province but I guess everybody thinks that. I know what you mean about feeling like you are in a different country, we feel the same when we visit the U.S, too. It's funny because we are all just folks!

I looks great Pammy Sue and to think all of that is so close to where you are living which is also beautiful of course. The Autumn leaves are so pretty I would have had to collect some to put in an Autumn jar, now there's an idea. I love taking pictures of churches too oh and graveyards, I know I'm strange :) xx

How fun to be able to cross over to BC and have a Walmart closer there. It's so neat to think that your Columbia River up there passes right by us here in Corbett, OR. Ken looks darn handsome with that longer hair.. kind of like a movie star. :-) That little town looks like it would be fun to explore. Have fun.. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

What great photos Pammy Sue!! The Fall colors are gorgeous!!! Loved seeing Canada through your eyes! What fun. I just got all caught up with your posts. Beautiful walks! You and Ken sure chose wisely!!! I remember talking to you after you found that house. You were in your hotel room. Tired, and happy. This has been a wonderful move for you guys! Have I told you how happy I am for you???? Once or twice?XO Krissy Poo

We have also always enjoyed going to Trail. It was the first "big" city I went to in Canada. It is gorgeous up there this time of year. I don't think we've ever visited in the fall before. Dennis said Ken looks very relaxed and I like his longer hair too. So many new adventures for you two. Dennis and I had dinner with Teresa, Dayle and Fracie last night. We had a great time. You need to come down here with me sometime!!Blessings,Betsy

Welcome to Beautiful British Columbia! I hope you'll be able to explore more of our province? I know how you feel, when you cross a border into a different country everything seems so different. Don't you love our funny money? Love your blog.Cheers Brenda

Oh boy this post made me homesick (I'm from Ontario). The little white church reminds me of the one my parents got married in. The fall leaves and scenery are just beautiful.Looks like a great day trip, everything so close and convenient, even Bangers and Mash - who knew! Keep those pictures coming as I'm really enjoying your retirement, haha!

We live 15 minutes from Niagara Falls. The few times we have crossed the border I have felt a little nervous too. I guess I always wonder if they will find out something about me that I didn't even know?

Then, I figure that since the husband still has his Top Secret govt' clearance I shouldn't feel nervous at all :)

Bc is lovely, but I love Saskatchewan.I have not been to those towns. I'll put it on our list.I have only been to the states once, wished I lived closer so I could go to some of those great yarn stores you have.

I went to Canada a few years ago and it looked lots like this place too :) We were by Michigan. I have been to our southern boarder too and it is a different feeling when crossing that boarder than the northern one :)

How interesting I really enjoyed reading your blog, like you say it's hard finding things to blog about.Bangers and mash actually it's a very British meal.and with the Yorkshire pudding it's sorry to say not European, you would not be able to get it in Europe unless you were eating in a British restaurant, possibly someone who has moved across to Europe and opened a British restaurant for the British tourist.I really enjoyed your blog which I followed the link from Carollyns blog, I will be back againMargaret

My hubby and I went to Canada and spent 3 days at Niagara Falls. That seems like a million years ago. It was the first and last time I was ever in Canada. You are so right, the border crossing is so intimidating, all the questions, and they were not friendly. I guess they really couldn't be since it wasn't long after 911 had happened. The waitresses were friendly, the food was good, the falls was awesome. We won some money at the casino. Love all your pictures. Susanne :)

I love where you are, Pammy Sue, and hope you will continue to enjoy exploring the area. When I see your photos I want to hop in my car and head north :) I can't remember if I have already typed to you that my husband and I in 1972 drove up the West Coast from San Diego and then across Canada until we had car trouble in Banff National Park. My husband jury rigged our car to drive back to the states because we could not get the replacement part we needed in a timely fashion. We reentered the US through Wild Horse, Montana...driving through a field trail in Canada to paved road over the boarder. :) Memorable! In the times I have been in Canada entering from both the East Coast and the West Coast of the US I always felt anxious crossing the boarder even though I had no reason to that I knew of. It is so interesting to sense the difference in the culture on both sides of the boarder when that boarder is just an imaginary line humans try to guard! xx